If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and then consult with an accident attorney. You may find that you are fighting to get your dental bills covered because the insurance company insists the repairs are cosmetic versus a medical need. In fact, dental injuries, and the associated cost, are often disregarded when it comes to compensation after car accidents. The following explores some important steps to take after a car accident that has left you injured.
The scene of the accident
Evidence is crucial to any personal injury case. It is important that you or someone you trust take photos of the accident scene. In addition, if it is possible to get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses to the accident, you and your attorney may need to contact them.
Seek medical attention immediately
If you are disoriented or in any pain, you should accept an ambulance ride to the emergency room. Especially if you have broken bones, trauma to your head and loose or dislodged teeth. First and foremost, it is imperative to make sure you are okay after the trauma of a car accident. Immediately following a traumatic experience, many people are rattled and the adrenaline is pumping. Many symptoms are masked by the emotional response to the incident. You may not feel the extent of your injuries until later, sometimes days later. It is important to assess your overall well-being and address any injuries sooner rather than later. In addition, you will need to prove that your injuries occurred as a result of your accident to insurance companies. The longer you wait for any type of diagnosis, the more difficult your insurance claim may become.
Document everything
Insurance companies are reluctant to pay out more than they deem necessary. Therefore, you should be sure to document everything and save all diagnostic and treatment paperwork from the emergency room, your dentist, orthodontist and any other medical professional you may see after your accident.
Save any dislodged teeth
If any teeth were knocked out as a result of the impact, a dentist may be able to put your tooth back in the socket. However, the handling of the dislodged tooth is very sensitive. Be careful not to touch the roots of the tooth when you pick it up. It is important that the tooth does not dry out so there are a few options to preserve the roots until you can see a medical professional. If you don’t think you can get the tooth back in the socket, you can put it in enough whole milk to cover the tooth or put it in your mouth between your cheek and gums. Ideally, you should see a dentist or other medical professional within 30 minutes, however, some teeth have been successfully replaced within two hours.
If you are in the unfortunate position of suffering from a car accident and then have to deal with insurance companies, be sure to protect yourself. In seeking medical attention, you are taking care of yourself now and in the future. You may also need a qualified attorney on your side. An attorney who is familiar with car accident litigation is your best bet to ensure your medical costs are compensated.
Resources:
Wikipedia, Dental Care
Alliance Dentistry, Cary, NC family Dentist